AMISOM Battle Group 24 has today been flagged off to Somalia by the CDF Gen David Muhoozi at the Peace Support Operations and Training Centre Singo in Nakaseke district.
The Chief of Defence Forces who officiated the flagoff ceremony, called upon UPDF officers and men to be conscious of their discipline and wellfare while in Somalia.
“With the training you have attained here i expect alot from you and expect you to come back alive. Take caution, be vigillant but not cowards,” he cautioned.
The CDF implored the soldiers to be good ambassadors to themselves, their families and motherland Uganda in order to keep the Ugandan flag high in the mission area and the outside world.
Uganda Battle Group 24 is replacing UGABAG 21 which is based in Arabisca 31kms outside Mogadishu city in Lower Shabelle region.
Gen Muhoozi who spoke freely with soldiers told them to be vigilant and alert because UPDF is a clear target of alshabaab and their mission is to sabotage UPDFs daily routine.
The Deputy Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Sam Kavuma thanked the Chief of Defence Forces for contributing to the capacity building of soldiers especially those going to the mission area.
He thanked the training team for the job well done.
The Commandant of the Peace support Operations Training Centre in Singo Brig Jack Bakasumba presented a total of 1822 officers and men from 55 and 59 Infantry Battalions to CDF. He said that the training started on Sept 4 last year and has been ongoing for the last three months.
He added that the traininees are ready for deployment in Somalia.
Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was created by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 19th Jan 2007 with the initial six months mandate which have been since extended.
Other contingents in Somalia include : Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti while countries like Nigeria also deployed uniformed and individual police officers.